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Underhill Rose set to release new album “Something Real” May 31Fans provide funding for “Heartfelt Country Soul” trio’s sophomore album

ASHEVILLE, NC – May 2, 2013 – Underhill Rose, the female trio known for impeccable harmonies and an ability to blend bluegrass, Americana, blues and soul into its trademarked “heartfelt country soul” sound, will launch its sophomore album, “Something Real,” Friday, May 31.

“Something Real” includes 13 tracks, with each member writing at least two songs, and features the familiar harmonies Underhill Rose has become known for, now filled out with a third female voice. Recorded in the famed Echo Mountain Recording Studio and with Black Lillies’ frontman Cruz Contreras’ serving as producer, the release features nine Asheville area musicians in addition to the ladies. The band recorded “Something Real” using money raised through a successful crowd-funding campaign, which generated donations from over 300 people. Following the 38-day push, the group had met 120 percent of the $15,000 goal.

“This album is everything we hoped it would be and more,” said Eleanor Underhill. “We had a phenomenal producer and recording team, in a beautiful studio which allowed us to make an album that truly represents us. I can’t say enough about the team, guest musicians and the product that came out of that magical time.”

Prolific is the only word that sums up the music on “Something Real.” Harmonies lay the groundwork for the sound of the new record, but the group makes a concerted effort to feature a single lead vocalist on nearly every track, with one exception. All three women contributed to the upbeat, campy tune “Never Gonna Work Out.” The track has been a staple in the trinity’s stage show over the past year and is the lone album track in which the band members are the only musicians. Underhill and Rose trade-off lead vocals, and Williamson fronts a verse for the first time, singing to a man who lost his chance with her.

“We really tried to showcase all of our talents with this one,” said Molly Rose. “From the writing to the vocals, our instrumentality to, in Salley’s case, tap-dancing, we wanted this album to be a true reflection of our band and the music we make. The result was better than I had ever dreamed and the credit goes to the fans. Without them, we could have never done this.”

Underhill’s writing prowess is the sole power behind seven of the songs, with five featuring her smoky, sultry vocals. As she demonstrated in the band’s debut album, her music is a time capsule of her life. From love found, in the bluesy ballad “Sublime Charm” and the swamp-country rocker “I Wanna Love You,” to love lost, in the country tinged “Unused to You,” it’s evident that the pointed lyrics are meant for someone in particular. “Helpless Wanderer” and “Bare Little Rooms” are two rather upbeat bluegrass-based tunes that really speak to her uncertainty, while serving as two of the best examples of the group’s harmonizing power.

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Rose takes center stage as lead vocalist for the bulk of the collaboration, and her sound has never been more Americana than it is on the title track, “Something Real.” As in previous partnerships, Underhill wrote this song with Rose’s voice in mind, and that search for “something real” might just be the music that results from these two ladies’ partnership. “White Rose” follows the same formula, and is reminiscent of the country rock another Carolina band, The Marshall Tucker Band, patented.

An autobiographical tune, “Little House” is Rose’s first writing credit on the release, and she summons the soaring strength of her voice and pairs it with a foot tappin’ chorus. The song is also the most prominent example of Williamson’s third harmony. The definition of country soul cries through in the storytelling ballad “Drives Me To Drinking.” The choruses close like a 1960s Motown hit, and joining the harmonies with an organ, you can easily pickup on the influence church singing had on Rose. The most pleasantly surprising track Rose brings to the mix is the ragtime-esque “The End of 27,” which looks toward the brighter side of being 28. Fittingly, it closes out the album and leaves the listener on a high note.

Underhill Rose fans will find two songs, both sung by Molly Rose, written by Salley Williamson. The bass player and newest addition to the lineup wrote “Let Her Go,” a brooding poem that shows her mastery of the songwriting craft. Well placed harmonies and a strong performance from Rose bring the story to life. Finally, Williamson pays homage to the Lowcountry of South Carolina, specifically her hometown of Denmark, in “They Got My Back.” It’s quintessential country and perfectly captures the ladies having fun in the studio. That feeling of joy and positivity is the mantra for the entire album, the fans made sure of that.

“This record is a group effort in the truest sense,” said Salley Williamson. “Not only is it the first time I recorded with the band, and ever for that matter, but it was the fans that gave us the capital to make this a reality. We were overwhelmed by the support we have received from everyone – fans, friends and family. This whole process seems so surreal and we kept everyone with us in spirit while we created this new album.”

Underhill Rose launches its tour in support of “Something Real” May 31, with concerts planned throughout the Southeast and the west. For more information, please visit underhillrose.com or follow the band on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and ReverbNation.

About Underhill Rose

Underhill Rose blends aspects of Americana, rhythm and blues, country and bluegrass into one harmony-laden melody. The trio’s original songs are wrapped in three-part harmonies and packaged with an eye-catching stage presence. The smoky voice of Eleanor Underhill joined with the soaring vocals of Molly Rose and the country twang of Salley Williamson creates a sound that is self-described as “heartfelt country soul.” Playing banjo and harmonica, guitar and upright bass, respectively, the group has carved out a place in the Americana scene with songs that run the gamut from heart-wrenching to sassy and playful to thought-provoking.

Since forming in 2009, Underhill Rose has played throughout the Southeast, including appearances at the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion and the Warren Haynes Christmas Jam. The ladies have shared the stage with the likes of singer/songwriter Jim Lauderdale, Kevn Kinney of Drivin' N Cryin', Blackberry Smoke, Col. Bruce Hampton, Larry Keel and the Everyone Orchestra featuring Jon Fishman and Papa Mali, and have been praised by industry legends, fans and media outlets throughout the country.